Iraq: projects and investment
BP signed a preliminary agreement to develop four Kirkuk-region fields, which it estimates hold about nine billion barrels of recoverable oil, on a profit-sharing basis.
The IS-04Z1 is an intrinsically safe smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21, built for degassing stations, gas plants, refineries and terminals where a crew is a long way from a replacement. If you are specifying an explosion proof cell phone for Iraq, this page covers the markings, the approvals and the current certification status of the IS-04Z1.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Short answer. The SAMS IS-04Z1 is the intrinsically safe smartphone covered here for Iraq: pre-launch, designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 (marking target Ex ib IIC T4), with certification in progress and no certificate issued.
Where things stand: the IS-04Z1 has not launched, and none of its four certification routes has produced a certificate yet. Operator approval runs on its own timeline. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Protection concept | Flameproof (Ex d) or intrinsic safety (Ex i) | Intrinsic safety, level ib |
| Zone suitability | Zone 1 gas and Zone 21 dust | Design target for Zone 1 and 21 |
| Certificate | Number, issuing body and schedule of conditions | In progress; not issued |
| Where it applies | Iraq: Rumaila, West Qurna, Zubair | Classified by the site operator |

An intrinsically safe Android smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas in Iraq. It is pre-launch: IECEx, ATEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
The classified areas, operators and sites below are the ones covered in the SAMS Iraq market guide.
BP signed a preliminary agreement to develop four Kirkuk-region fields, which it estimates hold about nine billion barrels of recoverable oil, on a profit-sharing basis.
In December 2024 the Iraqi Cabinet approved a Basrah to Haditha oil pipeline project valued at about 4.56 billion dollars.
Fields managed by Basra Oil Company exported about 3.23 million barrels a day from southern terminals in December 2024, nearly all of Iraq's export volume that month.
Summers from May to October are very hot and dry, with temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius, and dry dusty winds, while winters are wetter and cooler.
“Explosion proof” is the phrase most buyers use for equipment that may be taken into a classified hazardous area. Strictly, it covers several protection concepts: a flameproof enclosure (Ex d) contains an internal explosion, while intrinsic safety (Ex i) limits electrical energy so that an ignition cannot start. Phones are normally intrinsically safe, because a flameproof handset would be too heavy to carry all shift.
The IS-04Z1 uses intrinsic safety, with a marking target of Ex ib IIC T4, and is designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21. It is pre-launch, certification is in progress and no certificate has been issued.
In Iraq. Explosion-proof is the common phrase, but degassing stations, gas plants and terminals call for the right concept. Flameproof Ex d suits some fixed equipment, whereas an intrinsically safe handset suits a crew moving across a field. The IS-04Z1 is designed around intrinsic safety for Zone 1 and Zone 21 areas.
A short checklist for anyone writing or reviewing the specification, with the IS-04Z1 status against each point.
Not yet. The IS-04Z1 is pre-launch and its certification is still in progress ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. No unit goes into a classified area before the certificate covering it exists. The datasheet, the certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
There is no list price yet. SAMS gives indicative pre-launch pricing in writing, against a stated quantity and site, and does not commit to a lead time before certification completes.
It is intrinsically safe (marking target Ex ib IIC T4), which is the usual way to make a phone for hazardous areas. It is not a flameproof (Ex d) design, and certification is still in progress.
The market guide for Iraq covers Rumaila, West Qurna, Zubair, Majnoon, among others. Site-level pages are linked below.
Not exactly. Explosion proof is a broad everyday term; intrinsic safety is one protection concept, which limits energy so ignition cannot occur. Flameproof (Ex d) is a different concept that contains an explosion. The IS-04Z1 is intrinsically safe by design.
The south around Basra is the heart of production and export, with Rumaila, Majnoon and other fields, while the north has Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region has its own fields. Each area has separate operators and access rules.
Summer temperatures can exceed 46 degrees Celsius, and southern Iraq regularly sees higher peaks. Dust-laden winds are also common. Choose devices with a wide operating temperature range and dust protection.
The market guide notes that the Kurdistan Region runs on its own registrations and logistics. Requirements for a project there may differ from those in the south. Check with the operator and local authorities which documents and registrations are needed before ordering.
Related guides for Iraq and for Iraq.
Send the site, zone and gas group and roughly how many handsets. We reply by email with the datasheet and the certification schedule.
Name the site and the operator and we will send what is available before launch.